Designers are focusing their considerable talents on that most prosaic of all transportation devices, the 4-door family sedan. Drawing on such influences as the 4-door "coupe" approach embodied on such luxury cars as the Mercedes-Benz CLS, stylists are reshaping standard sedans in ways that will give even the sportiest coupes and 2-seaters a run for their money. And not just the looks are being redefined...the function is too, with some models boasting liftbacks to boost utility while other changes lurking beneath the hood point to a hybrid and/or electric future. Here are some current and future stars from the Los Angeles Auto Show:

Clearly this German automaker is following the lead of the Mercedes-Benz CLS 4-door "coupe" styling in terms of its flowing shape. Audi is also following in the footsteps of BMW, which recently introduced a similar package in the 5-Series Gran Turismo. Like its Bavarian rival, the 2011 Audi A7 Sportback is a hatch, but with much swoopier looks and a decidedly lower ride height. This 5-passenger vehicle offers a wide range of powerplants starting with a 204-bhp 2.8-liter V-6, a 204- or 245-bhp 3.0-liter turbodiesel and a range-topping supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 making an even 300 bhp. In addition to its slick shape, the A7 features a finely crafted interior that has become an Audi hallmark.

If you're looking for proof that "sporty Buick" isn't an oxymoron, check out the new 2012 Regal GS. With sport suspension, a 6-speed manual transmission and a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that produces a stout 255 bhp, the GS leaves the line like the proverbial scalded cat, hitting 60 mph in less than 7 seconds. What's more, this Opel Insignia-based Regal looks the part, hunkered down on its 19-in. wheels and fitted with rocker-panel extensions and a rear spoiler.
Inside, a flat-bottom steering wheel adds to the sporty look, where supportive seats help keep driver and passengers securely in place on twisty canyon roads. This is not a large sedan, but it's the first Buick in a long time that is genuinely fun to drive. This is definitely not your father's Buick.

While the wraps were taken off the Shinari before the Paris Auto Show, Los Angeles is its official world debut to the public. Although the car looks ready for production, it's actually more of a preview of the design direction of all future Mazda models, which will have a decidedly more angular, powerful look than the previous Nagare school of design that emphasized flowing shapes. There are several neat styling cues such as the illuminated trim that wraps around the grille and seems to pierce the front fenders. The interior features a driver-oriented cockpit. With its long dash-to-axle ratio and executive-class dimensions, the Shinari looks like it would be a natural for rear-drive. Although Mazda doesn't have a rear-drive sedan in its lineup, the Shinari is a sign that there is always hope for a performance luxury sedan of its ilk in the future.

Designed to bring excitement back to the mainstream sedan category, the Nissan Ellure Concept features a compact 4-door body formed into a flowing wing-like shape inspired by the Kamishimo, a formal outer coat worn by Samurai warriors. The Ellure has a strong grille and arrow-shaped head and taillamps set in widely flared fenders, for a look that's echoed by current 370Z and Maxima models. The cabin opens wide thanks to suicide-style rear doors that allow easy access to the lounge-style rear seat and sporty front buckets. The Ellure's passenger is light and airy thanks to large glass roof. Power comes from a 2.5-liter inline-4 connected to an electric motor with a lithium-ion battery pack. The overall length of the Ellure is 190.5 in., which places it in a category between the current Altima and Maxima sedans.

Like the Audi A7, the Impreza is intended to convey the spirit of a 4-door "coupe" and marks the debut of the automaker's new "Confidence in Design" philosophy and brand strategy. The 4-passenger cabin is surrounded by flowing bodywork accentuated with wide wheel arches, thereby reinforcing the Subaru Impreza Concept's all-wheel-drive system. The face of the vehicle is pure Subaru, with its hexagonal grille featuring spread wings and hawk-eye headlamps. Fin-shaped fog lamps reinforce the car's wing-shaped motif. The concept also uses a single continuous line from its A-pillar through the roof and into the C-pillar to give the car a coupe-like profile. Beneath the hood, the Impreza Concept is powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine mated to a continuously variable transmission. The interior is luxurious appointed with leather, layered colors and a large display in the center console with touch-panel technology for the onboard navigation, entertainment system and climate controls.